BLANTYRE-(MaraviPost)-The Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) has strengthened its collaboration with the media by engaging journalists from the Association of Muslim Journalists (AMUJO) in a comprehensive training on ethical reporting and election integrity, while also unveiling new measures aimed at ensuring credible polls.
Speaking during the day-long training in Blantyre, MEC’s Director of Media and Public Relations, Sangwani Mwafulirwa, disclosed that the Commission will deploy a biometric voter verification identification device in the 2025 elections to prevent multiple voting.
“No one will vote twice as names will be verified before voting through a biometric device. Voting and counting will still be done manually, but the device will help verify names using fingerprints, identify the center where a person registered, and speed up the process of voter verification in the voter register,” explained Mwafulirwa.
Strategic Communications Consultant Zilani Khonje Phiri emphasized that accurate and balanced reporting remains vital for strengthening public trust in electoral processes.
She cautioned that misinformation or biased reporting can easily trigger unrest and undermine democratic values.
“Balanced reporting is critical because you are dealing with voters who rely on you for information. If you fail to report accurately, it has the potential to create chaos and mistrust in the whole electoral process,” Phiri said.
The training, attended by journalists from different media houses, covered various topics such as ethical journalism, fact-checking, electoral laws, and the media’s role in fostering peaceful elections.
AMUJO president Chekaukutu Ndege lauded MEC for including Muslim journalists in the initiative, underscoring the role of the press in promoting unity and peace during elections.
“Journalists play a critical role in ensuring free, fair, and credible elections. We must follow the codes of ethics in our reporting to maintain credibility and advocate for peace and national unity,” Ndege said.
The engagement comes as Malawi prepares for the 2025 general elections.
MEC says will continue collaborating with various media bodies and civil society groups to ensure transparent, inclusive, and peaceful polls.
